What Does a Maintenance Assistant Do?

Maintenance assistants are the people who keep our buildings and other structures in good working order. They commonly work on a team with other maintenance workers, contractors, architects, etc., to ensure that everything is running smoothly.

Maintenance assistants typically have a wide range of responsibilities, but they’re often tasked with basic cleaning and repair tasks. This might include vacuuming floors, sweeping and mopping floors or surfaces, washing windows, clearing debris from lawns or parking lots, etc.

Maintenance Assistant Job Duties

Maintenance assistants have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Maintaining records of maintenance activities and technician performance, such as updating spreadsheets or databases with details regarding completed jobs
• Following safety protocols to protect oneself while working on equipment or machinery that could be dangerous if handled improperly
• Performing basic repairs on plumbing systems, electrical wiring, heating and cooling units, or other building systems
• Recording work order requests and ensuring that they are fulfilled by the appropriate technicians or contractors
• Cleaning work sites before, during, and after construction or repairs have been completed
• Performing basic carpentry tasks such as cutting boards to specified sizes using power saws
• Maintaining inventory of supplies needed for various projects, such as lumber, nails, paint, and tools
• Following specific safety guidelines when working with hazardous materials, including asbestos or lead paint
• Scheduling and coordinating work crews to ensure that all tasks are completed on time

Maintenance Assistant Salary & Outlook

Maintenance assistants’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the company size and geographic location. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $36,000 ($17.31/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $54,500 ($26.2/hour)

The employment of maintenance assistants is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Employment growth will largely be driven by the construction industry, where demand for maintenance workers is projected to be high. Maintenance workers will be needed to maintain and repair buildings and other structures as these facilities age and become more complex.

Related: Maintenance Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

Maintenance Assistant Job Requirements

The following are some of the requirements for becoming a maintenance assistant:

Education: Entry-level maintenance assistants are typically required to have a high school diploma or GED. Some employers may prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as building maintenance or facilities maintenance.

Training & Experience: Maintenance assistants typically receive on-the-job training from their new employer. This training may include learning the specific procedures and processes of the organization, as well as the equipment and supplies used. Training may also include instruction on safety procedures and regulations.

Certifications & Licenses: While certifications are not necessary for a maintenance assistant role, they can be helpful in your job search and in increasing your earning potential.

Maintenance Assistant Skills

Maintenance assistants need the following skills in order to be successful:

Organization: Maintenance assistants often perform a variety of tasks throughout the day, so it’s important to have good organizational skills. You can use organization skills to keep track of tools, paperwork and other items. This can help you complete your tasks efficiently and keep the workplace organized.

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information through speech or writing. As a maintenance assistant, you may be required to communicate with other employees, contractors and customers. It’s important to be able to convey information clearly and concisely. You can also use communication skills to relay information to your supervisor about any issues you may encounter while performing your duties.

Attention to detail: Maintenance assistants often perform a variety of tasks, so it’s important to have excellent attention to detail. This can help you complete your work accurately and efficiently. For example, if you’re working on a project with a team, attention to detail can help you complete your tasks correctly and ensure the team’s work is accurate as well.

Problem-solving: Maintenance assistants often work with a team of other maintenance staff and other employees. It’s important to be able to work with others to find solutions to problems. For example, if you notice a machine isn’t working properly, you may need to work with someone who knows how to fix it.

Physical stamina: Physical stamina is the ability to sustain prolonged physical activity. Maintenance assistants may need to lift heavy objects, stand for long periods of time and perform other physically demanding tasks. Having a high level of physical stamina can help you complete your duties more efficiently and safely.

Maintenance Assistant Work Environment

Maintenance assistants work in a variety of settings, including office buildings, factories, hospitals, and schools. They typically work full time and may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Maintenance assistants are often exposed to noise, dust, and fumes, and they may work in cramped or awkward positions. They may also be exposed to hazardous materials, such as cleaning fluids and pesticides. Although most of their work is performed indoors, they may be required to work outdoors in all types of weather. Maintenance assistants must be able to lift and carry heavy objects, such as furniture and equipment, and they may be required to do some heavy lifting, such as moving refrigerators and other appliances.

Maintenance Assistant Trends

Here are three trends influencing how maintenance assistants work. Maintenance assistants will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technical Skills

The need for more technical skills is a trend that is being driven by the increasing complexity of modern machinery. As machines become more complex, so too does the need for technicians who have the knowledge and training to repair them.

This trend is having a significant impact on the maintenance industry, as businesses are increasingly looking for technicians who can not only fix machines but also understand how they work. This requires a deeper level of technical knowledge that can only be acquired through years of experience.

More Focus on Preventative Maintenance

As businesses continue to focus on preventive maintenance, maintenance assistants will need to develop new skills in order to stay competitive.

Preventative maintenance involves inspecting equipment and making repairs before problems occur. This allows businesses to avoid costly downtime and keep their equipment running at peak performance. In order to be successful in this field, maintenance assistants will need to be able to identify potential problems early on and come up with solutions to prevent them from becoming serious issues.

Greater Use of Technology in Maintenance

The use of technology in maintenance is becoming increasingly common as companies look for ways to streamline operations and reduce costs.

Maintenance assistants can take advantage of this trend by learning how to use technology to their advantage. This includes using software to track maintenance tasks, communicate with coworkers, and manage inventory. Additionally, many companies are now using drones to inspect hard-to-reach areas, which means that maintenance assistants should be familiar with drone operation.

How to Become a Maintenance Assistant

A career as a maintenance assistant can be a great way to get started in the construction industry. As a maintenance assistant, you’ll learn about different types of equipment and how they work, as well as how to fix problems when they arise. You’ll also gain experience working with other people on a team, which is important in any industry.

As you progress in your career, you may want to consider becoming a certified mechanic or technician. This will give you more opportunities for advancement within the construction industry.

Advancement Prospects

Maintenance assistants typically start out in entry-level positions, such as janitor or maintenance worker. With experience, they may be promoted to lead maintenance worker, supervisor, or manager. Some maintenance assistants may eventually move into other occupations, such as building manager or construction worker.

Maintenance Assistant Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we take pride in providing a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for our employees, customers, and visitors. We’re looking for a maintenance assistant to help us achieve and maintain these high standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in building maintenance and repair, as well as a working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. He or she will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks to keep our facilities in top condition, including but not limited to: painting, carpentry, drywall repair, and general cleaning. The maintenance assistant will also be responsible for troubleshooting and repairing any issues that arise.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist the Maintenance Manager with the day-to-day operations of the maintenance department
• Help to ensure that all equipment and machinery is properly maintained and serviced in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications
• Assist with the development and implementation of preventive maintenance programs
• Keep accurate records of all maintenance activities, including work orders, parts used, and labor hours
• Monitor inventory levels of spare parts and supplies, and place orders as needed
• Respond to emergency maintenance requests in a timely manner
• Perform routine repairs and general upkeep of the facility, grounds, and equipment
• Assist with the installation of new equipment and machinery
• Help to maintain a safe and clean work environment
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned by the Maintenance Manager
• Maintain a professional and courteous demeanor at all times

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience in a maintenance or repair role
• Working knowledge of hand and power tools, as well as general maintenance equipment
• Ability to read and follow blueprints, diagrams, and schematics
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or vocational training in a related field
• Experience with electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems
• Forklift certification
• First aid/CPR certification
• OSHA 10 or 30 certification